Kentucky had a successful 2018-19 campaign, placing with a 30-7 record en route to an Elite Eight berth before falling to Auburn in overtime. Undoubtedly head coach John Calipari will have the Wildcats playing at a high degree, but he will need to enter the season with rather a different look. Four of Kentucky’s starting five will be very likely to graduate or be drafted in the NBA since Reid Travis is an old and P.J. Washington, Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro will probably be going pro.
All is not lost, though, since the Wildcats have already done a fantastic job recruiting for the upcoming season, procuring two 2019 McDonald’s All-Americans, shooting guard Tyrese Maxey and little forward Khalil Whitney. I anticipate sophomores Immanuel Quickley and E.J. Montgomery to lead the fee and will work nicely with the incoming freshmen. With their new look, I would be hesitant to lay a wager on this bar at +500 at this point.
Kansas Could be Well-Balanced and Experienced
Kansas had a very intriguing 2018-19, revealing flashes of brilliance and being rated in the top five at the AP poll for eight weeks, including two weeks in the top place. Overall, the Jayhawks finished the year with a 26-10 record, falling to Auburn in the Round of 32. Kansas was a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team when it arrived to house and away splits, heading a perfect 16-0 in Allen Fieldhouse but only 3-8 in true road games — quite confusing results.
The Jayhawks had to battle through injuries, losing protect Lagerald Vick for the season in February. He is a senior and will not be back . Additionally center Udoka Azubuike and only nine games played in 2018-19. However, Kansas, despite those holes in the frontcourt and backcourt had a Round of 32 appearance. The Jayhawks must be feisty this forthcoming season as I don’t expect Azubuike to be drafted and Vick will be their sole loss, so odds of +2000 provide adequate price.